The weekly messenger. [volume] (St. Martinsville [i.e. St. Martinville] La.) 1886-1948, 1887-06-11
The Versailles LOcket.
ny WOOD RUFF CLARK.

Reginald Fontainc owed his prosperity |
largely to personal skill as workman.
aud to correct tastes. In part, also, his
success was the result of economy, and
that sound Judgment which led him
when once he had saved a little money to
rent the principal corner store in town and
advertise briskly And part was due to
his nannc. which had an aristocratic
sound
i'ontaiue was ii Young man of fine ad-
dress, with kuack of apt apparel, and he
quickly became the leading jeweler. His
credit was excellent from the start. He
bought discrcctly of the manufacturers,
won and held the popular retail trade, and
in five years rose to good commercial
position.
One September morning stranger
asked for Mr.. Fontaine at his store, gen
tleman Of foreign accent and appearance,
handsomely attired, with shrewd, cner-
getic face. He was salesman fora French
manufacturing firm, who solicited trade
direct with American retailers. His
prices seemed high, although his wares
were original in pattern, and the stones of
superior purity and luStre. In fact, il
was a grade of jewels more costly than
Fontaine had yet carried, and it appeared
doubtful if his quiet town would justify
such expensive investments. Accordingly
he declined to buy.
The stranger retired. but in a half hour
returned again. lie had made inquiries
at the banks, and satisfied himself of the
jewelers. responsibility. He now offered
TO leave few articles on commission, for
the purpose of Introducing his styles.
Foutaiuc welcomed this proposal. and
gave the required receipts, obtaining n
dozen very handsome gold breaSipin>,
bearing ruby, sapphire, and emerald
in unique settings and costly locket.
He exulted over the brilliant additions tn
his exhibit. which would at least lend
eclat to the stock and add to his reputr.
The lockct especially was a notable ac-
ce>sion. and hc gave it u conspicuous
platc-clasS shelf of his corner show win.
dow. |, was oval in form. of solid gold
adorned with delicate bls-rclicf work and
dainty enamel Il was studded with {
cluster Of five diamonds on each side
These diamonds were clear and vivid
uniform in size and quality, and Of ri
diant depth.
We ought to give that lockct name.
said Jean Fon,ainc, rs he stood 10y tn
window. admiring it, Jean was Regi
maids brother and chief clerk. >killfu
and competent aSsiNtant.
''SuppoSc We label it former propcrt,
OF Marie Antonctte," suggested Rcgi
Maid. who WAS wont To- make free uSc q
his imagination.
No, no." replied the mere pr">ai
Jean. I'VE cant aScrihc historical pg;al
iticS. 1t look- toe urw. We might ca
it y Congo Souvenir, or The Tonqui
Trophy"
Reginald dcmurrcl.
Not one in ten Of our customers vi
know ii i French. or even underNtaG
such name. They will think it was mad
in Connecticut unless we state the col
tary. Twill have little placard printct
naming il The Versailles Lockct and N
nouucing masclf as importer.
Accordingly. next day appearcda del
cate advertisement in black andwhit
''The Versatile Lockct-Our own In
portation Direct from France. Gem
Inc Diamonds - Fine Gold. -- Han
Craven. Price, $4,000.
Time passed. The ladies of the tow
came, examined and admired the locke
Christmas went by. and still the jew